Question

Diatomic oxygen is highly reactive and initiates a number of different reactions.

(a) True

(b) False

I had been asked this question in an international level competition.

My enquiry is from Hydrocarbon Emissions topic in portion Engine Emissions and their Control of IC Engine

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

(a) True

Diatomic oxygen (O₂) is indeed highly reactive and plays a crucial role in many chemical reactions, including combustion processes in internal combustion engines. In engines, oxygen reacts with hydrocarbons (HC) and other substances in the exhaust gases to form carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O), thereby helping to control hydrocarbon emissions. Oxygen is also involved in various other reactions in the exhaust system, especially in catalytic converters, where it helps to oxidize pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons.